In this solo episode, Brooke guides us through a meaningful reflection on 2025 — the highs, lows, and moments in between. It’s a quick practice to help you pause, soak in the good, learn from the tough moments, and close out the year feeling grounded, grateful, and ready to share the love.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of anxiety — both chronic and acute. We share the coping mechanisms that help us manage anxious days and seasons of life, including the importance of movement, environmental shifts, and in-the-moment strategies. This conversation invites you to explore your own triggers and create a plan that works for you. And of course, that may include seeking professional help when needed.

In this solo episode, Erica’s back with some honest reflections on the complexities of friendship—especially when it comes to space, boundaries, and how connected we really need to be in our always-online world.

Prompted by a Reddit post about location-sharing gone too far, she dives into what happens when good intentions start crossing lines. From recognizing when a friendship no longer feels supportive to learning how to set boundaries without guilt, Erica offers real talk and gentle reminders about what healthy connection truly looks like.

In this second episode of our Balanced and Boujee Book Club, we dive into the second half of Fourth Wing—and things definitely heat up. From character growth to those unexpected plot twists, we unpack Violet’s journey through danger, trust, and the ever-complicated dynamics with Xaden, as well as the world she’s navigating as a rider. We chat about the power of friendships, the ups and downs of relationships, and the choices—both by the characters and the author—that kept us turning pages way past bedtime.

For our very first B&B Book Club episode, we’re diving into the first 15 chapters of Rebecca Yarros’ wildly addictive fantasy hit, Fourth Wing. 🐉✨ From Violet’s grit and resilience to her ride-or-die friendship with Rhiannon—and our hopes for where characters like Dain and General Sorrengail are headed—we’re unpacking all the dynamics that kept us hooked (and up way past bedtime). And of course, we can’t forget Xaden—the brooding, morally complex heartthrob who has us all rethinking our real-life standards for men.

Join us for a cozy book club convo where we squeal, speculate, and swoon together. 🔥

Miss us? We missed you!

Summer got busy - so we thought we’d get back into it with a catch up on all the things — evolving beauty standards, funny stories from a recent weekend in MKE, a not-so-great movie review, some shocking news we recently received, PLUS - we reveal our newest idea for the B&B community.

Basically, it’s a little bit of pop culture, a little bit of personal chaos, and a whole lot of laughs.

This week on Balanced and Boujee, we’re spilling the toxictea—literally.

Brooke sits down with health and wellness coach, Lauren Gilchrist, to chat all things toxin-free living. From sneaky chemicals hiding in everyday products to why your dog might need a cleaner shampoo too, Lauren breaks it all down in a way that’s approachable and empowering.We talk about how to spot when brands are just greenwashing, share resources that make your toxin-free product research quicker and easier, and explain why going toxin-free doesn’t mean you have to toss your entire bathroom cabinet overnight. It’s about simple swaps, building awareness, and making better choices when you can.✨ Episode Highlights:

- Toxic-free living is more important (and more doable) than you might think- Your products might be packing more than just fragrance...- The EU bans way more ingredients than the U.S. in food, cosmetics, and everyday products- Greenwashing 101: what it is and how not to fall for it- Helpful tools to protect yourself (and your fur babies!) from harmful ingredients- The power of starting small and staying curious about how your body reacts to the products you useLinks to resources mentioned: Get in touch with Lauren: ⁠https://www.wellandfreecoaching.com/⁠EWG website & Skin Deep Database: ⁠https://www.ewg.org/⁠ Yuka: ⁠https://yuka.io/en/⁠ CosDNA: ⁠https://cosdna.com/⁠

In this episode, we dive into the magic of slow mornings—the kind that actually set you up for a better day. We swap stories, share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and talk about how you can create a morning routine that feels good, no matter what season of life you're in. Whether you’re solo, sharing space with a partner, or navigating chaos with kids, there is a way to carve out time for you. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to be complicated, and yes—you deserve it.

Episode Highlights

✨ How slowing down in the morning can change the whole vibe of your day
🕯️ Simple ways to build a morning ritual that actually feels good
💬 Why talking to your partner about your needs can make mornings smoother
👶 How to find “me time” in even the busiest households
💖 A reminder: prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary
🌅 Tips for adapting a slow morning routine to your current season of life